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Coastal tourism: questions and answers

Conference that focused on the fishing environment in northern territories took place in the University of Akureyri, 18 – 19 June 2013. The conference was organized by the Stefansson Arctic Institute in collaboration with the University of Akureyri Research Center, NORA, the Iclandic Tourism Research Center, Norwegian Seafood Center and the Icelandic Lighthouse Society.

Marine and coastal culture tourism is growing in popularity in various ways. Some tourists want to learn about life in coastal villages, experience nature and tranquility as well as the wilderness. Others want to experience the excitement of driving charter boats, diving, surfing, go speed boating or hiring a boat and try their luck at fishing. Then there are those who want to sail from port to port and country to country on board gigantic cruise ships.

How does this fit in with cultural heritage, everyday life, social development, self-sufficiency, fishing quotas and environmental policies of the Nordic nations? How can the Nordic nations collaborate in this area? Do these diverse aspects of tourism have collaborative opportunities? These challenges were discussed at the conference where further questions were pondered through group work and perhaps more answers and collaborative possibilities found.